Mike Kaplan(U.S.)
Guitar, Bass, Guitar Ensemble
Michael Kaplan is a multi-faceted musician who has performed and taught in almost every genre. A classically trained guitarist, he also has a Masters Degree in Jazz and has done gigs in almost every musical situation including Funk, Blues, Rock, Country and Reggae. He was born in New Jersey and as a child Michael studied percussion, trumpet, piano and bass guitar. At the age of 7 he moved to New York where he eventually settled on the guitar. While attending The University of Miami, Mr. Kaplan studied with internationally acclaimed guitarist Juan Mercadal who also taught Steve Morse and Manuel Barrueco. After graduating with a degree in Classical Guitar he started performing and teaching around the South Florida area. Some of his performing credits include playing with Mike Stern, Alfred ?ee Wee?Ellis, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Rich Little, being conducted by Michael Kamen, and sharing the stage with The Average White Band. Michael received his Masters Degree in Jazz Guitar from Florida International University. While there he got to play with world-renowned trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. Mr. Kaplan has taught at Miami Dade College, Barry University, and Florida Atlantic University. He has taught classes in Jazz and Pop History, Chamber Music, Jazz Guitar Ensembles, Jazz Combos, and Improvisation Workshops. He has judged competitions, juries, and listened to and selected prospective students for many Universities. Currently, he works at Broward Community College where he teaches Jazz Guitar lessons and a Jazz Guitar Ensemble. In addition, Michael has worked on and transcribed a play along book on guitar comping with Jamey Aebersold and Dr. Mike Diliddo. While staying active in the South Florida music scene, Mr. Kaplan also has many private students and is working on his forthcoming book of Wes Montgomery single line Blues Solos.
Michael Kaplan is a multi-faceted musician who has performed and taught in almost every genre. A classically trained guitarist, he also has a Masters Degree in Jazz and has done gigs in almost every musical situation including Funk, Blues, Rock, Country and Reggae. He was born in New Jersey and as a child Michael studied percussion, trumpet, piano and bass guitar. At the age of 7 he moved to New York where he eventually settled on the guitar. While attending The University of Miami, Mr. Kaplan studied with internationally acclaimed guitarist Juan Mercadal who also taught Steve Morse and Manuel Barrueco. After graduating with a degree in Classical Guitar he started performing and teaching around the South Florida area. Some of his performing credits include playing with Mike Stern, Alfred ?ee Wee?Ellis, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Rich Little, being conducted by Michael Kamen, and sharing the stage with The Average White Band. Michael received his Masters Degree in Jazz Guitar from Florida International University. While there he got to play with world-renowned trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. Mr. Kaplan has taught at Miami Dade College, Barry University, and Florida Atlantic University. He has taught classes in Jazz and Pop History, Chamber Music, Jazz Guitar Ensembles, Jazz Combos, and Improvisation Workshops. He has judged competitions, juries, and listened to and selected prospective students for many Universities. Currently, he works at Broward Community College where he teaches Jazz Guitar lessons and a Jazz Guitar Ensemble. In addition, Michael has worked on and transcribed a play along book on guitar comping with Jamey Aebersold and Dr. Mike Diliddo. While staying active in the South Florida music scene, Mr. Kaplan also has many private students and is working on his forthcoming book of Wes Montgomery single line Blues Solos.